I'm Andrew. Light swirl marks and pick scratches on a gloss finish can often be polished out by hand. But polishing works by removing a tiny layer of finish, so the wrong product or finish type can make things worse. Start with the checks below.
Clean first, then look again: many "scratches" are dirt. If the finish is gloss and the scratch is only on the surface, a fine scratch remover on a soft cloth, tested on a hidden spot first, can make it disappear. Never buff a satin finish, and take any scratch you can feel with a fingernail to a pro.
Look at the guitar in good light. A gloss finish reflects like a mirror. A satin or matte finish looks soft and dull. If you're not sure, check the maker's spec page for your model. Our how to clean a guitar guide covers finish types in more detail.
Wipe the area with a soft, dry microfiber cloth, or a guitar cleaner made for your finish. Many marks are sweat, dirt or pick residue that wipes off.
Most pickguards are plastic, so a plastic scratch remover made for that job works there. Take the pickguard off first if you can, so the polish doesn't reach the finish. On many guitars a new pickguard is a cheap fix.
Deep scratches, dings through to the wood, cracks, finish checking, or anything on a valuable instrument. A touch-up specialist can fill and level a deep scratch in a way polishing can't (Acoustic Guitar magazine).
Only for gloss finishes and plastic pickguards, after a test spot. Not for satin, matte or vintage finishes.
Best for Light surface scratches on gloss finishes and plastic pickguards, after a test spot
Specs: NOVUS product page; Acoustic Guitar magazine, checked 2026-11-02.
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Best for Applying and wiping off polish without adding new swirls
Specs: D'Addario product page, checked 2026-11-02.
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Best for Cleaning the finish before you judge a scratch, and a final wipe after
Specs: Dunlop product page, checked 2026-11-02.
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Product links checked 2026-11-02 against each exact Amazon listing; Amazon shows the current price. See How we rate.
Sources checked Nov 2, 2026: Premier Guitar (cleaning a guitar finish, satin finishes); Acoustic Guitar magazine (touch-up and Novus #2 on light scratches); Sweetwater (how to clean a guitar); NOVUS product page.
Light surface scratches on a gloss finish can often be polished out by hand with a fine scratch remover. Scratches you can feel with a fingernail are too deep and should go to a pro.
No. Buffing a satin finish makes shiny, blotchy patches. Clean it with a soft, slightly damp cloth instead and leave light marks alone.
Don't use it. It's an uncontrolled abrasive and can dull or damage the finish. Use a product made for fine scratches, after a test spot, on gloss finishes only.
Most pickguards are plastic, so a plastic scratch remover such as NOVUS #2 works there. Remove the pickguard first if you can, and test on a hidden spot.
No. Guitar polish cleans and shines. A scratch remover is mildly abrasive and removes a tiny layer of finish, so use it sparingly.
Related: How to clean a guitar - How to clean a fretboard - Care & repair
How this page was made: Andrew wrote this guide from makers' manuals, support pages and product pages, listed above. Each button opens the exact Amazon listing (checked 2026-11-02), and Amazon shows the current price. How we rate
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